[crazyjennyblack]

I'm interested in taking up archery, and I would like to get a recurve bow because of the classic look and feel, and the fact that there is a shop close to me that sells them and can order whatever I need.

However, I need recommendations from knowledgeable people on here regarding what bow might be good for a female with a bad right shoulder. Not sure about high draw weights at all - maybe in the 30 lbs range?

Also, what kind of exercises might one do to strengthen a shoulder?

[Jason_G]

Also, what kind of exercises might one do to strengthen a shoulder?

Get a good length of surgical tubing and tie one end to something solid and do stretching type exercises with it, similar to drawing a bowstring. That will help. Try pulling it back and holding it for longer and longer periods of time. Hard to explain in words, but I think you probably get the idea. Do it with both arms, not just your draw arm. If you need to go stronger, you can double up the tubing. As for draw weight, 30 lbs would probably be good, but you need to know your draw length too, if you really want to know how many pounds you are actually pulling back. Most bows' draw weight is measured at 28" of draw, IIRC. If your draw is shorter, you won't be pulling back the full weight.

Jason

[scythefwd]

the longer the limbs, the smoother the draw will be. Might make shooting the bow easier on you. The longer the limbs, the more difficult to string for short people. You just don't get the leverage

[Jason_G]

the longer the limbs, the smoother the draw will be. Might make shooting the bow easier on you. The longer the limbs, the more difficult to string for short people. You just don't get the leverage

This is true. Around 60" seems to be the standard length, if you need somewhere to start from. I don't know what your draw length is, but at least you will know where to start looking.

Jason

[crazyjennyblack]

I'm about 5' 7". How would I measure my draw length?

[WayBeau]

Does draw length apply to recurves? I thought you only had to worry about that with compounds?

[22-rimfire]

No, you don't need to worry about "draw length" with recurves. You need your draw length to determine how long the arrows you buy are.

I think a 25 lb draw recurve bow is about right for a female unless you plan on hunting. That is the draw weight that is commonly used at camps and pros who just shoot target and so forth.

I have a 45 lb Ben Pearson that I would sell. It needs a new string and so forth but as far as I know is in very good shape. My Dad used it when he hunted with a bow years ago. The 45 lb bow is way too much for most women and would not be fun to shoot.

[jbkebert]

Are you right or left eye dominate?

Martin makes a good bow called the x-100, nice little bow with a good feel without breaking the bank.

For strengh training like said above use a length of surgical tubing. I like to shoot a slingshot. I am normally a compound shooter but when I want to get back into recurves. Shooting a slingshot to the side like a target shooter. Helps develop muscle memory, strength, and accuracy.

[Jason_G]

Does draw length apply to recurves? I thought you only had to worry about that with compounds?

You can use your draw length to calculate how much poundage you are actually going to be drawing back if you do not draw the standard 28". Each one inch deviation from that 28" will offset the actual draw weight by about 2 lbs or so. So a 30 lb bow drawn only to 26" will actually be about a 26 lb bow to the shooter.

It also matters when you get ready to make or buy your arrows, as 22-rimfire said.

Jason

[scythefwd]

crazyjenny - I'm 5"8.5 and my draw length is pretty much 28" dead on. I'd expect to see your draw length at about 27" give or take. My bows are 66 inches and 68 inches. My grandmother, who shot the 66" competetively, could string it. Its 33 lbs at 27" draw length. She's 5"5ish and could string it no problem. My 68" 45lb bow on the other hand is a bit of work for me (its a technique thing)

Way - draw length on a compound is referring to how far back the bow can be drawn before you hit the stop.. on traditional bows, it's how far back until YOU stop. Traditional bows have an infinately variable draw length until the arms snap.

[WayBeau]

scythe,
Thanks for enlightening me. My experience is completely with compounds, so I really didn't know (thus why I asked). That is good info though for the day I make the switch or decide to try it out.

Thanks.